Cajun Shrimp and Steak: A Perfect Pairing

Photo byFood and Drinks

Many families have come to cherish the delectable combination of Cajun shrimp and steak, a dish that never fails to evoke joy and satisfaction among its enthusiasts.

Ingredients:

For the Cajun Seasoning:

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

For the Steak and Shrimp:

1 pound steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your choice), cut into bite-sized pieces

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

To make the Cajun seasoning, blend all the specified ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl. Prepare the steak by coating it with half of the Cajun seasoning mixture in a large bowl. Likewise, season the shrimp by tossing it with the remaining portion of the Cajun seasoning in a separate bowl.

Prepare a delicious steak by heating 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Gently place the seasoned steak pieces in the skillet and cook them until they achieve a desired level of doneness, typically taking about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside momentarily.

To prepare the shrimp, in the skillet, pour the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp from the skillet and place them aside.

Saute Vegetables: In the skillet, incorporate the minced garlic, sliced bell pepper, and onion. Allow the vegetables to cook until they reach a tender consistency, typically within a span of 5 to 7 minutes.

Place the cooked steak and shrimp back into the skillet alongside the vegetables. Incorporate the unsalted butter into the mixture and gently mix all the ingredients until thoroughly blended and heated evenly.

Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of freshness. Accompany the dish with lemon wedges placed on the side for a burst of citrus flavor.

Suggestions for enhancing your Cajun Shrimp and Steak dish include customizing the spiciness by adjusting the quantity of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning to suit your taste preferences. To complement this savory dish, consider serving it over rice, or pasta, or paired with a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. Additionally, you have the flexibility to incorporate chicken or scallops as an alternative or additional protein options alongside the steak and shrimp. We hope you savor your culinary creation of Cajun Shrimp and Steak!